Dhanush breaks silence on viral ‘Idli story’ ahead of Idli Kadai release, 'I was born in 1983..'

Dhanush, Idli Kadai

Actor-filmmaker Dhanush has finally addressed the buzz around his now-viral “idli” remark. While promoting his upcoming directorial Idli Kadai, Dhanush explained that his words were misunderstood.

“I was born in 1983, and my father Kasturi Raja became a filmmaker in 1991. Even after that, it was not smooth sailing as he had four children and educating us was the priority over any other needs. So it was only around 1995 that we managed to get a good lifestyle,” Dhanush told the audience at the film’s audio launch.

The clarification comes after a clip from the event went viral, where Dhanush recalled how he and his siblings earned a few rupees to buy idlis during tough times. Social media quickly pounced, calling it a “promotion strategy,” pointing out that he was the son of a director and couldn’t have faced such hardship.

What Dhanush Actually Said in the Viral Video

At the trailer launch of Idli Kadai, Dhanush had shared, “As a kid, I always craved idlis every single day, but I couldn’t afford them. Hence, we started collecting flowers from the neighbourhood. The money we get will be based on the amount of flowers we collect every day. My sister, cousins and I would wake up at 4 AM to do this for over two hours.”

He added, “We’d get a little over Rs 2 each for the jobs. Then, we’d head to a local pump set, take bath and walk with just a towel on the main road. For that money, we would get four to five idlis. Nothing can beat the satisfaction and taste that is gotten out of eating food from our own hard-earned money. I’m not getting the happiness and taste now in restaurants, which I had during my childhood.”

Idli kadai … From us to U ❤️❤️ October 1st worldwide. pic.twitter.com/hCU1txKtPV

— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) September 22, 2025

Idli Kadai Release and Star Cast

Idli Kadai is Dhanush’s fourth directorial after Pa Paandi, Raayan, and Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam. The film reunites him with his Thiruchitrambalam co-star Nithya Menen and features an ensemble cast including Arun Vijay, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Geetha Kailasam, Samuthirakani, Parthiban, and Shalini Pandey.

Produced by Wunderbar Studios along with Dawn Pictures, the drama has music by GV Prakash, cinematography by Kiran Koushik, and editing by Prasanna GK. Idli Kadai is slated to release in theatres on October 1.

Also read: Dhanush gets emotional after child actor's mother pays a heartfelt tribute at Idli Kadai event

FAQsQ1: What did Dhanush say about the viral “idli” story?
Dhanush clarified he wasn’t literally selling idlis but collecting flowers to earn a few rupees as a child, which he used to buy idlis.

Q2: Who stars in Idli Kadai alongside Dhanush?
The film stars Nithya Menen, Arun Vijay, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Samuthirakani, Parthiban, Shalini Pandey, and more.

Q3: When is Idli Kadai releasing?
Dhanush’s fourth directorial Idli Kadai is set to release in theatres on October 1.